FordExplorer Sport Trac2004Overview/ford/explorer-sport-trac/2004/base/

2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2004 Explorer Sport Trac.

Body SUV

The 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is an SUV, with routine oil service calling for 5.0 quarts of 5W-30 API oil. Across the 20022010 model run, this year accumulated 1,408 owner complaints, far below the 2002 high of 3,620 but well above the 2009 low of 6. Power Train issues generated the most reports, and five recalls apply to this model year. That positions the 2004 Sport Trac in the middle of the reliability arc: a cleaner year than the 2002 peak, though not as quiet as the later low-complaint years.

Model year201020092008200720052004200320022001

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque100 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 65 · 650 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 65 · 650 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP245-65R17OEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length205.9 in
Overall width74 in
Overall height70.1 in
Wheelbase126 in
Curb weight4136 lb
Track (front / rear)58.7 / 58.7 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)56/44

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.0 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil, SYNTHETIC · 75W-140 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity10.3
Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear OilSYNTHETIC · 75W-140 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity5.1 Pints, rear
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity5.0 qt
Power Steering FluidATF

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs11-12 ft-lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs7.4 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts59 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts18 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts15 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts7.4 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts16 ft-lbs
Main Bearings67-74 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts100 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug4WD: 18.0, With AWD: 13.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug4WD: 18.0, With AWD: 13.0 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub203 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub184-250 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub203 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub162 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-4-2-5-3-6
Cylinder Firing Order1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)MT: 850, AT: 710 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)MT: 50, AT: 40 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)890 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)755 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)75 rpm
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity2.00 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity9.00 oz
Standard BCI Group Number65
Standard BCI Cranking Performance650 cca
Standard BCI Group Number65

Service checks

Pressure Test13-18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief13-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature183-190 °F
Pressure Test13-18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief13-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature183-190 °F
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)35-45
RPM28-45 @ Idle rpm

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket24 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle100 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket21-26 ft-lbs / 20 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle72-97 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness0.100 in
Minimum Shoe Thickness0.039 in
Rotor Minimum Machining0.98 in
Rotor Discard at or Under0.96 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9015 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
118 ft. lbs., Step 2: 33 degrees, Step 3: 9018 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
166 ft. lbs., Step 2: loosen one turn, step 3: 37 ft. lbs., step 4: 9066 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
124 ft. lbs.24 ft. lbs
2turn 80 degrees80 degrees
3turn 80
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
126 ft. lbs.26 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Coat new bolts with the specified engine oil.

1M12 bolts9 ft. lbs
2M12 bolts18 ft. lbs
3M8 bolts24 ft. lbs
4M12 bolts90 degrees
5M12 bolts90 degrees
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
110 ft. lbs., Step 2: 5210 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
17.4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 18 ft. lbs., Step 3: 30 ft. lbs., Step 4: 90 degrees7.4 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 5,000 mi; spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 50,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 50,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 5,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Driveshaft U-Joint (inspect)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Exhaust System Heat Shield (inspect) · Fuel Filter (replace) · Temperature Controlled Seat Air Filter (replace)
Every 50,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 60,000 miWheel Bearing (repack)
At 100,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 100,000 miPCV Valve (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Drive Belt (replace) · Transfer Case Assembly (drain & refill) · Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The federal record shows complaints falling sharply from 3,620 in 2002 to 1,313 in 2003, then rising slightly to 1,408 in 2004 before declining to 568 in 2005 and continuing to drop in later years. Recalls followed a similar downward trajectory, decreasing from 14 in 2002 to 7 in 2003, 5 in 2004, 3 in 2005, and reaching just 1 by 2009. Investigations also trended down, with 9 in 2002, 3 in 2003, 4 in 2004, 2 in 2005, and 1 or 0 in subsequent years. Consequently, the 2004 model sits after the initial high‑complaint year and shows a modest uptick relative to 2003 but remains well below the 2002 peak and part of the overall declining arc. Based on the consistent reduction in complaints, recalls, and investigations across the generation, the 2004 Explorer Sport Trac represents a comparatively reliable choice among the early‑generation vehicles.

5
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
126
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
4
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
1,408
Owner complaints
75 involved a crash · 16 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 1,408 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train385
Structure347
Visibility55
Engine & Engine Cooling53
Vehicle Speed Control50
Air Bags44
Wheels36
Visibility,Structure32

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

06E056000Fuel System, GasolineReported 13/06/2006

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK… Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

06E026000Exterior LightingReported 23/03/2006

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL… Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 126 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
TSB 19-20262019-02-07StructureSome 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels…
TSB 19-20262019-02-07StructureSome 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels…
SSM 460852016-09-21Engine And Engine CoolingThe Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing…
TSB-12-8-12012-08-01Electrical SystemFORD/LINCOLN/MERCURY: MAY HAVE SLUDGE BUILDUP IN THROTTLE BODY LEADING TO LESS AIRFLOW OR…
TSB-12-7-42012-07-10EngineFORD/LINCOLN/MERCURY: IF BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED OR DEAD, VEHICLES/TRUCKS MAY EXPERIENCE…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

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VIN
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Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
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Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2004 Explorer Sport Trac take?

5.0 qt of 5W-30 API MEETING FORD SPECIFICATION WSS-M2C946-A, per the factory manual.

Does the 2004 Explorer Sport Trac have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.